Programs Aid Several Times Over
Can your child reel off the multiplication tables? How about division?
All kids have to learn their math facts. For some families, this memorization process is pure drudgery for parent and child. Luckily, several computer options can help make learning more palatable.
“On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division Grades 3-4” does an excellent job of explaining the concepts underlying multiplication and division while drilling math in a fun environment. With “GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math: Multiplication & Division,” children use 56 different screens to practice multiplication and division. If you are looking simply for electronic flashcards, turn to “Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division.”
‘On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division Grades 3-4’
As with other “On-Track” titles, “Multiplication and Division” transfers workbook-type activities to the computer. But it jazzes up the workbook pages by adding spoken instructions, animations and occasional games.
“Multiplication and Division” offers 30 workbook pages. These are sequential, and they spend a lot of time explaining how multiplication is really just counting sets. The software starts with simple single-digit multiplication and then works through two-digit multiplication. It covers regrouping, multiple-digit multiplication, numbers that contain zeros and then story problems.
A similar sequence is presented for division.
After children finish an electronic page, they get immediate feedback because the software checks each problem and puts stars on those that are correct and check marks on those that are wrong. A cute animation follows. After every two pages, the software treats the child to an exciting--and intellectually challenging--game.
This software isn’t sophisticated or complex. It doesn’t adjust its content to the child’s achievement. However, it does an excellent job of explaining, reviewing and drilling multiplication and division.
On every page, if a child is struggling with a problem, the page offers the multiplication chart or a help section that explains how to approach the problem. For word problems, an on-screen pad for calculations is available, as is a calculator. The animations after each page are charming, and kid testers loved the three educational games offered as rewards.
‘GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math: Multiplication & Division’
Children learn multiplication and division with this title by working through 56 lessons presented in seven levels of difficulty. Children choose which level to explore and the specific lessons within each level. They also can elect to play against another player in a scored competition.
There is no audio instruction in this title, just music and ambient computer sounds. So players need to click around until they understand how to operate within the software. Luckily, the interface is very intuitive.
Each lesson begins with written instructions displayed on the page. To do a lesson, children select and drag the correct answer from a list on the left of the screen to a question displayed in the center. Kids are given two chances to answer correctly before the program reveals the answer.
The environment created by “GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math” is sterile. Whistles, music and beeps accompany children on their learning journey. But there is no verbal feedback.
A positive element: Two children can play together. The program creates a game in which children take turns answering questions, and it keeps track of scores. Periodic bonus questions add a fun element of surprise.
Although “GeoSafari” covers more material than the “On-Track” title, it seems more monotonous because the format doesn’t vary much from lesson to lesson. “On-Track” does a better job of presenting the underlying foundation of math, and its presentation is more varied and fun.
‘Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division’
If you are looking for a way to drill your child without having to hold up flashcards, the computer can do it for you with “Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division.” This nifty program lets your child drill for accuracy or speed. Like “GeoSafari,” it has a two-player option that helps ease the drudgery.
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Jinny Gudmundsen is editor of Choosing Children’s Software magazine.
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The Skinny
“On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division Grades 3-4”
Price: $20
Ages: 7 to 9
Platform: PC/Mac
System requirements: On the PC, a Pentium 166 with 32 MB of RAM and 50 MB of available hard disk space. On the Mac, a PowerPC 150 with 32 MB of RAM and 50 MB of available hard disk space.
Publisher: School Zone Interactive
The good: Excellent math instruction and drills
The bad: Would have been more fun with a story line
Bottom line: A great way to learn and drill multiplication and division
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“GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math: Multiplication & Division”
Price: $25
Ages: 7 to 9
Platform: PC/Mac
System requirements: On the PC, a Pentium with 16 MB of RAM. On the Mac, a PowerPC with 16 MB of RAM.
Publisher: Educational Insights
The good: Loads of lessons with two-player option
The bad: Somewhat monotonous and no spoken audio
Bottom line: Helpful software to practice multiplication and division
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“Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division”
Price: $15
Ages: 6 and older
Platform: PC/Mac
System requirements: On the PC, a Pentium with 24 MB of RAM and 50 MB of available hard disk space. On the Mac, a PowerPC 601 with 24 MB of RAM and 50 MB of available hard disk space.
Publisher: School Zone Interactive
The good: Math drills by time, accuracy or against another player
The bad: Offers only drills
Bottom line: A handy way to provide flash-card-type drilling of multiplication and division
